Chestnut Festival

The Roncegno Terme Chestnut Festival

In the heart of Valsugana, at the foot of the Dolomites, the town of Roncegno Terme (Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige) dedicates an entire weekend each autumn to the fruit that defines its woods: the chestnut. The Chestnut Festival is a tradition spanning over forty years, ranking among the most popular autumn festivals in the valley and drawing visitors from across Trentino and beyond.

For the occasion, the historic center transforms into a vast open-air market. Along the streets and squares—from Piazza A. de Giovanni to Piazza Montebello—you will find stalls featuring chestnut products and local crafts, alongside steaming roasted chestnuts, chestnut-based pastries, Roncegno marroni, and local agricultural goods.

Among Chestnut Groves and Tradition

The heart of the festival lies in its connection to the land and its ancient chestnut groves. The Pro Loco of Roncegno Terme, which organizes the event, offers guided hikes and walks along the chestnut trail accompanied by forestry guides—a perfect opportunity to discover how marroni are grown, harvested, and how chestnut wood is utilized.

There is no shortage of activities for families and children: creative workshops, bouncy castles, roving entertainment, a petting zoo, and puppet shows, a festival classic entrusted over the years to puppeteer Luciano Gottardi. The soundtrack is provided by live music, with concerts, choirs, and bands accompanying the two-day event.

Taste and Conviviality

During the festival, local restaurants, agriturismos, and food stands offer themed menus dedicated to the chestnut and the flavors of the Trentino autumn. The most anticipated moment remains the cutting of the giant cake in the square, which officially opens the festivities. Admission to the event is free.

The Chestnut Festival is the perfect destination for an autumn weekend in Valsugana, offering fine dining, woodland walks, and the warm, genuine atmosphere of a true village festival.